MESSAGE FROM THE PASTOR
A courageous challenge

This past Sunday, we had the privilege of listening to Roger Spicer as he took us through the basics of “the gospel” and how to evangelise.

Roger was very clear and concise with his challenge. It was not condemning or accusatory. His differentiation between social action and evangelism was very well explained, and he was the first to admit that even at his age, stage, and experience, he still finds it difficult to evangelise every day.

He ended by giving us a challenge to give gospel tracts as we evangelise and to be bold and courageous enough to share the gospel. Have you done that this week? Or are you still waiting for the right time?

Roger returns this week with part two of the challenge and more practical guides as well. I'm looking forward to hearing what God has for us through Roger.

Can you remember the five points of the gospel? Sin, Judgement, Righteousness, Jesus as Saviour, Jesus as Lord.

CHURCH SUNDAYS

Coming up in the preaching schedule

After the two-week series with Roger, we will start a new sermon series I am calling Conquest. The name is not original to me. I borrowed it from someone who has used it in a similar sermon series.

This is the story of Joshua, from the time he took over after Moses to the time he settled the Israelites in the promised land. Joshua’s remarkable life was filled with excitement, variety, success, and honour.

He was known for his deep trust in God and as a “man in whom is the spirit” (Numbers 27:18). As a youth, he lived through the bitter realities of slavery in Egypt, but he also witnessed the supernatural plagues and the miracle of Israel’s escape from the Egyptians, especially at the Red Sea.

He was the only one allowed to accompany Moses up the mountain to receive the 10 commandments, and he stood watch over the tent as Moses conversed with God. He was God’s chosen servant to bring Moses’ work to completion, and he is the Old Testament foreshadow of Jesus himself. 

While these sound like major achievements and are mostly unattainable, I believe there is something to be learned and applied in our normal lives by looking at Joshua’s extraordinary one.

How we relate to one another, how we raise our children and our families, and most of all, our response in the face of danger, disaster, or even disappointment.

We will be in Joshua for at least half the winter, and in between, there will be breaks as we celebrate significant days as well.

CHURCH SUNDAYS
A change to Children’s Church

During the holidays, our lovely children will stay during the service. We will set up a children’s station next to the families’ area for anyone who would like to join in.

This gives our lovely volunteers a chance to have a break and also helps them plan for the next term as well.

Thank you all for your patience and understanding during this time.

YOUTH GROUP AND THE CASHMERE PROJECT
Planning a Holy Spirit weekend

The youth group also takes a break during the holidays. We will not be meeting on Thursday, but we are planning a Holy Spirit weekend as we continue to do Alpha together.

This has been a very revealing time for our young people, especially just after Easter Camp and being in the middle of Alpha, so please pray with us that they will hear the gospel and will be open to the power of the Holy Spirit during this season as well.

This Thursday (April 11th) is the last one of the term and we will resume on Thursday, May 2.

Our youth group room is up and running, and we will also be dedicating that to God as a space for young people soon.

CHURCH SUNDAYS

Baptism Sunday

Thank you for all those who have expressed interest in baptism. I still feel that there are some more who would like to be baptised. There is still space and we would like you to experience baptism. Please do not hesitate to write your name, or contact me directly.

Baptism Sunday is also Pentecost Sunday, so we are looking forward to what God has for us during this time.

COMMUNITY
Young Parents Life Group

One of our core values at Halswell Community Church is building community. We recognise and appreciate that we have many members who are in the child-raising stage. We would like to raise these children in community together, in the knowledge that it is Christ who unites us.

While we may have differing opinions on how to raise, discipline, or even talk to the child, we all agree that the children need a community where they can grow in the knowledge and wisdom of God. This is why we want to have a parent life group that meets consistently to encourage one another in our journey of faith and raising children.

The next meeting, with parents encouraged to bring along their children, will be held on the evening of Sunday, April 28th.

COMMUNITY
Mothers and Children Group

The group returns with a different venue this Friday, April 11. Anna Kariuki is hosting the meeting, which will be at 10c Quaifes Road at 9:30 am.

CONNECT
Prayer, Youth and Home Groups

We have a variety of home groups at HCC that cater for all.

Ladies home group
Meeting on Wednesday evenings.
Contact Paula for more info: [email protected]

Mens home group 
Meeting fortnightly on Thursday evenings.
Contact Richard for more info: [email protected]

Young professionals home group 
Meeting on Wednesday evenings.
Contact Anna for more info: [email protected]

Prayer group 
Meeting on Tuesday evenings.
Contact Mato for more info: [email protected]

Youth group 
7pm on Thursday at Seven Oaks School.
Get in touch with our Youth workers Zac (0284038758) or Sinead (0224193096) for more details.

GIVING

If you would like to contribute to HCC

You can make a donation to:

S.B.S Bank Halswell Community Church

Account: 03-1369-0389284-00

Ref: Tithes and offering

Particulars: Your Name